Immediate Action Required to Release Kappapillavu Lands: MP Ravikaran

09-Apr-2026

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The people of Kappapillavu have been continuously protesting to reclaim their ancestral lands. With the expectation and hope that the government will release these lands, the community has refrained from further protests, awaiting restitution. Emphasising the urgency of safeguarding the trust of the Kappapillavu people, Member of Parliament for Vanni District of the Tamil National Alliance, Durairasa Ravikaran, urged the President to take swift action to release their lands.

In response, the President stated that he would hold discussions with the military soon and that any decisions reached during these talks would be publicly disclosed.

The matter was highlighted at the Security Sector Oversight Committee meeting held on Tuesday under the chairmanship of President Anurag Kumar Dissanayake at the Parliament complex. The committee had previously requested the military to submit a detailed report on the release of Kappapillavu lands; however, a comprehensive report has not yet been received. Questions were raised regarding whether the military had already requested the lands from the rightful owners.

During the discussions, the military indicated that no formal notifications had been issued to the landowners but assured that a detailed report would be submitted. While replacement lands had been provided to 44 landowners, 11 individuals had not received alternative plots, as pointed out by the President. He noted that the Divisional Secretary may need to address the allocation for these 11 families.

MP Ravikaran stressed that the ancestral lands of Kappapillavu, inhabited since 1818, had been seized by the military despite being vital for the livelihood of local communities. Historically, there were no military camps in the area, but following the displacement of the community in 2009, military authorities had taken control of the lands when people returned.

The displaced population had been resettled in the village of Seniyamottai with each family receiving 0.25 acres of temporary land. Both the Mullaitivu District Secretariat and the Divisional Secretariat of Karaithuraipattu assured that once the military vacated, the people would be resettled in their original lands.

Although partial land release has occurred, 59.9 acres for 55 people remain to be released, a fact confirmed by the Mullaitivu District Secretariat. Official letters and copies regarding the release have been submitted directly to the President. MP Ravikaran reiterated that the release must occur immediately, especially as these lands near the Nanthikadal lagoon are rich in livelihood resources including coconut and other fruit-bearing trees, in addition to arable land.

He reminded that the Kappapillavu people have long protested for the return of their lands and are now waiting with hope and expectation that the government will fulfil its obligation.